Leadership
Empowering youth to reach their full potential
Amanda Sublett
Leadership
Leadership is a needed and important programming emphasis in Kentucky 4-H. The Cooperative Extension Service provides opportunities for youth and families to help improve their leadership ability and create a positive impact on their future. Leadership opportunities for youth create a setting that reduces the access of youth to risk factors that can negatively impact their success.
Basic leadership knowledge & skills are essential for success in almost any field. The skills associated with leadership are necessary when working in a group or communicating with others. Employers look for leadership skills in future employees. Developing leadership in the youth and adults who are involved in the 4-H program is a priority. By assisting thedevelopment of leadership skills in today’s youth, we improve their ability to face the challenges of tomorrow (Unlock Your Leadership Potential, University of Florida, 2017).
Kentucky 4-H provides opportunities for youth to actively engage locally and globally to promote life skills [such as leadership] that prepare them for the global marketplace. Through 4-H youth exercise critical thinking skills, learn to appreciate diversity, practice tolerance, develop socio-emotionally, and strive to contribute to their environment (United States Department of Education International Affairs Office of International Strategy). 4-H participants rate their leadership life skills above average, have a positive view of their leadership ability, and have a positive attitude toward diversity and acceptance of others (Locke, Boyd, Fraze, and Howard, 2007).
Communities are equipped with competent, effective leaders
Community members engage others to initiate projects
Civic engagement is possible and desirable for community members
Communities become more prosperous
Youth put skills into practice by becoming more engaged, taking on leadership roles
You improve skills in communication or problem solving in addressing community issues and needs
Youth participants become more engaged in non-formal leadership roles which increases involvement/action
Youth participants initiate projects that meet the needs of their community
Youth are inclusive of all individuals
Youth will volunteer and participate in community service
Youth will engage in civic involvement
Youth will maintain future intentions for civic engagement
Youth increase knowledge of effective leadership skills
Youth develop/enhance leadership skills
Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)
Initial Outcome:
Outcome to be Evaluated
Youth become more engaged as a leader in their community (planning a service project, serving as a mentor, increasing participation in local/state/national levels)
Indicator of Success for Outcome
Youth plan a community service project in their community
Youth report they serve as a mentor for a younger participant
Youth serve as leaders within their club or county programs
Youth serve in a state or national leadership position
Method of Evaluation
4-H Common Measures Universal Survey
Program Indicators
Number of youth who served as group leaders or officers?(PRACTICE)
Number of youth who received education related to diversity and inclusivity? (KOSA)
Number of youth who served as direct mentors to one or more younger youth? (SEEC)
Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
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Project or Activity: 4-H State Leadership Boards, 4-H Leadership Boot Camp, 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H Achievement Program, 4-H Summit, 4-H Camp Counselors, Local Leadership Clubs/Events
Content or Curriculum: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential, Teambuilding with Teens, My Leadership Workbook (Level 1), My Leadership Journal (Level 2), My Leadership Portfolio (Level 3), Leadership Mentor Guide 1: K-5, Leadership Mentor Guide 2: 6-12
Inputs: Teachers, Teens
Date: March 2024
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